Supported Living

A Night to Shine

February 6, 2016

Photo collage of people attending Night to ShineFebruary 12 was definitely a night to remember for ten lucky Supported Living participants. As part of the Night to Shine event through the Tim Tebow Foundation, the Capital West Christian Church in Jefferson City hosted a prom night experience for people in the community with special needs.

Prior to the big night, volunteers met with each of the individuals attending and helped them select their prom attire. The men were outfitted in suits and tuxedos and the women all had their pick of lovely evening gowns – all were altered to fit perfectly.

On the afternoon of the event, everyone traveled to Jefferson City where additional volunteers from the sponsoring church and community were on hand to help everyone get ready. Hair stylists helped with hair and make-up for the ladies, and others took care of shoe shines for the gentlemen. Once everyone was dressed to the nines, they rode in a limousine to the church event center which was fully decorated for an amazing evening.

Attendees were partnered with a volunteer “buddy” for the night and were photographed on the red carpet as they entered the event. The ladies received tiaras and the men received gold crowns. Everyone got a copy of their red carpet photo in a keepsake frame.

At the party, there was a photo booth for fun pictures, dinner catered by Chic-Fil-A, and the DJ was playing the best dance music around. Guests could also sing karaoke if they wanted.

Group of attendees dancing
Several attendees said dancing was their favorite part of the night.

Daniel’s favorite part of the evening was a tie between karaoke and the limo ride. He also danced with a pretty new friend named Heather.

Joyce really liked her blue prom dress and getting a tiara. Betty thought the dinner was the best part, but she also enjoyed taking silly pictures in the photo booth and dancing. Shaina said her favorite part of the evening was definitely dancing.

Barb and Katie both said that they had so much fun they couldn’t decide on what their favorite part was. Barb said, “I can’t wait to go back again next year. I would do it again in a heartbeat!”

Ali Kennison, Supported Living Assistant, attends Capital West Christian Church and said it was the first time the church had hosted the event, but they hope to do it again next year. “I thought the event was such an awesome opportunity for our individuals and all the other individuals that attended. It was truly a night for them to “shine” and to be pampered. It was so amazing to see them get dressed to the nines and to see their excitement on their faces. I personally did not want the night to end.”